In a landscape dominated by water, between sea and marsh at the tip of the island, the village of Les Portes-en-Ré is a must-see during your stay at Slow Village in Saint Martin de Ré. Just 23 km away, it's a great place to take a bicycle tour. Its territory is home to some of the most beautiful beaches on the island, open to the open sea or the Pertuis Breton.
Gros Jonc beach
Facing north-east towards La Tranche-sur-Mer, the Gros-Jonc beach is one of the closest to the town center of Les Portes-en-Ré. A wide beach of fine white sand, it is a favorite with kitesurfers and windsurfers. Swimming is possible at high tide. The beach is bordered by a skate park, tennis courts and a yacht club, making it a multi-leisure destination for the whole family! At low tide, the old fish locks are revealed. The Gros Jonc beach is also a pleasant place to stroll, with its unspoilt setting dominated by rocks and plants.
Petit Bec beach
Between the Conche des Baleines and Lizay beach, Petit Bec is a renowned surf spot, benefiting from south and south-westerly winds and a north/north-westerly swell. The sandy bottom offers a fast wave, particularly pleasant to surf at mid-rising tide and up to an hour after ebb tide. At the western end of the island, Plage du Petit Bec faces out to sea. Popular for its wilderness setting, it is bordered by forest. It can be reached via the Petit-Bec forest road from the hamlet of La Rivière, nestled between woods and marshes.
Trousse-Chemise beach
Another wooded beach, Trousse-Chemise was made famous by a Charles Aznavour song. At low tide, the beach is within walking distance of the Banc du Bûcheron opposite. Trousse Chemise beach is popular for sailing and kite-surfing, as well as for shore fishing. Families also come here for a swim, a picnic in an enchanting setting, and a stroll between forest and ocean. With children, however, beware of the currents and the speed of the rising tide.
La conche des Baleines
The long beach of the Conche des Baleines starts at the foot of the Baleines lighthouse and joins the Petit Bec beach 3.5 km further on. In the vicinity of the lighthouse, the beach is rather rocky and ideal for shore fishing. It then stretches out into a long stretch of fine sand, ideal for both swimming and board sports. Kite-surfing, bodyboarding, kite-flying, fishing and shore fishing, surfing, sailing and windsurfing, lounging, walking and swimming: the range of activities is wide and there's something for everyone! From Saint-Clément-des-Baleines to Le Portes-en-Ré, this famous Rhétaise beach has preserved its natural, unspoilt setting.
La Loge beach
Facing the Pertuis Breton, bordered by the hamlet of L'Aile du Peu, the Loge beach is located between La Redoute and la hanse du fourneau. Although swimming is not possible at low tide, the site remains popular with water-skiers and windsurfers. A nautical center has been set up here, offering a range of courses and introductory courses. You'll appreciate the view of the Pointe du Fier and the quality of the fine sand. There is also a parking lot and sanitary facilities close to the beach. Flat access is convenient for people with reduced mobility. The area is quiet and ideal for walks.
